MNHCoC Accepting Reservations for Hui Holomua Business Fest

The Maui Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce ​announced​ it is taking reservations ​for the ​11th Annual Hui Holomua Business Fest, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017​.​

US Sen. Brian Schatz. Courtesy photo.

This year’s conference will explore the new federal Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act and it’s potential to expand local tourism, spur economic growth and educate visitors about Native culture and history. The keynote speaker at this year’s event will be US Sen. Brian Schatz.

Sen. Schatz will address this year’s theme “Ka ʻIkena ʻŌiwi: Native Wisdom,” and the importance of Native-Led Tourism. He will be joined by Native American speaker Ben Sherman, Chairman of the World Indigenous Tourism Alliance; Native Alaskan speaker Celeste Ferguson, Executive Director of the American Indian and Alaska Native Tourism Association; and Native Hawaiian speaker Ramsay Taum, Founder of Life Enhancement Institute of the Pacific.

Hawaiʻi State Senator Brickwood Galuteria will be offer opening remarks about the potential for indigenous tourism programs to increase Native Hawaiian well-being.

The NATIVE Act is a bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and John Thune (R-S.D.), that enhances and integrates native tourism, empowers native communities and expands the nation’s unique cultural tourism opportunities.

“We are quite honored that Senator Schatz has agreed to be our keynote speaker this year,” said MNHCoC President Teri Freitas Gorman. “Indigenous tourism programs in New Zealand, Canada and Australia have helped to differentiate those destinations while providing a way for First Nations people to generate economic and community benefits while perpetuating their language and traditional cultural practices. We are so proud that our senior senator not only understood this, but has offered positive, proactive legislation through the NATIVE Act. We are expecting this year’s event to sell out quickly and because this year’s venue has limited seating, we encourage you to register now.”

The day-long conference will be held at the King Kamehameha Golf Club in Waikapū, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017.